METHOD OF INHIBITING NEUROTROPHIN-RECEPTOR BINDING

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions which inhibit the binding of nerve growth factor to the p75NTR common neurotrophin receptor and methods o f use thereof. In one embodiment, the compound which inhibits binding of nerve growth factor to p75NTR comprises, particularly when bound to nerve growth factor, at least two of the following: (1) a first electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys34 of nerve growth factor; ( 2) a second electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact wit h Lys95 of nerve growth factor; (3) a third electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys88 of nerve growth factor; (4) a fourth electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys32 o f nerve growth factor; and (5) a hydrophobic moiety which interacts with the hydrophobic region formed by Ile31, Phe101 and Phe86 of nerve growth factor.